The Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE)Lab is a space that provides startups and expanding businesses with the materials and support needed to succeed. Occupying Escalante Hall, the space is officially open for businesses to enter and for entrepreneurs to commit their visions to ventures.

Western’s determination to make the ICELab a reality follows a trend of educational institutions nationwide playing integral roles in the economic development in their areas. The ICELab is now a critical catalyst for economic development for Western Slope communities.

The program allows students from participating universities to spend a semester at another institution in the United States, its territories or Canada. This means Western students can spend time elsewhere, returning to Gunnison with new perspectives and diversifying the learning experience back on campus. Meanwhile, many students from other universities and colleges choose to “study abroad” at Western, bringing with them new ideas and points of view.

In recent years, Mountaineers studying Business fields have seen a great deal of new opportunities emerge. As one of the most popular areas of study on campus, the majors under the Business umbrella—which include Business Administration, Accounting, and Economics—have seen significant growth.

Faculty and students are optimistic about future developments in Business curriculum. The interest in Western’s Business programs has generated support for new areas of study, some of which will be arriving in Fall 2017.

The Communication Arts Department hosted a “Good Morning Event” with guest speaker Bruce Levinson, who described his life in the media and how he did not start there right after graduation.

“Majoring in hotel management, I got an opportunity to work at a hotel in New York. I went to work in a tuxedo every day, it was a crazy way to start my professional career. I found that the hotel business was absolutely not for me,” said Levinson chuckling.

In an address entitled “Dare to be Powerful,” Greenfield encouraged Mountaineers to build community during challenging times. Joined by performers, student leaders, and faculty, Greenfield spoke passionately on some of the biggest issues facing students today.

Held in Western’s university theater, the black-tie keynote address encouraged attendees to leave the room with a newfound respect for other people. The event was sponsored by numerous organizations on Western’s campus, including the Student Government, Black Student Alliance, the Office of the President and the Lead Office.

The Extended Studies Program, located in Taylor Hall 303, works to provide any student or community member with opportunities to expand their academic horizons.

While many small courses offered through Extended Studies use the Gunnison Valley’s geographical blessing as a limitless laboratory, the introduction of many new international courses helps bring different cultural influences and perspectives back to Western through students who have had experiences in a foreign environment.

As the Study Abroad program at Western grows, so does the scope of the Western learning experience.

This year, a number of Mountaineers are learning across the world, enhancing their studies through working and living in new environments. Some, like sophomore Elizabeth Beggs, are learning about international business while exploring life in Europe. Others, such senior Alexa Nofsinger, document their experiences via blogs and photography.

The study abroad experience can be confusing and challenging, particularly when in an area that is totally unfamiliar.

From February 17 to 19, students from all over the nation came to Western to work together, create an idea and present it to faculty of the Borick School of Business. This is the third year that the business school has hosted this event.

“This year we had a total of 17 students attend this scholarship event. This is the largest group we have had since starting. The question that they are working to answer is ‘How might we reimagine the classroom experience to improve learning outcomes?’” said Annie Westbury, a Program Coordinator at Western who was working the event.

Within Western’s community lies a smaller one—a group of students and faculty dedicated to leadership, campus involvement and service work. The Academic Leadership Program Scholarship, commonly known as ALPS, provides both tuition support and guidance for first- and second-year Western students. Through ALPS, a trend toward service-based learning is transforming the Mountaineer experience.

GUNNISON, Colo. – Professor of Art, Art Department Chair, MGES Associate Director Heather Orr, Ph.D., was recently appointed the State Representative of Colorado for the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG).

Orr said about the partnership, “This position will directly connect us nationwide with professionals, galleries, museums and potential students in the field. In addition, we will have access to undergrad/grad scholarships for our students to attend the national and regional annual conferences (expenses fully covered).”

Increased efforts across campus to promote sustainability have opened new doors, allowing Mountaineers to address environmental issues in state government.

On February 4, students and Gunnison residents gathered in Quigley Hall for the Conservation Priorities Summit. Hosted by Conservation Colorado, the event provided information about Colorado environmental measures and efforts. It also enabled lawmakers to hear the voice of Western’s student population.

Freshmen Hannah White and Melanie Turner met through Western’s roommate selection program online. They both were heading to Gunnison from out of state and needed to find a roommate for when they moved into the freshmen dorms on campus.

When choosing a roommate, White “was just looking for people that had good biographies.” Turner was not looking for a roommate but was contacted by White about living together and agreed to do so.

Students involved in the Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Project defined bringing the famed rail jam back to campus as a top priority after its cancelation in 2015-2016. It has been a prominent event for several years and continually attracts dozens of talented student-riders and hundreds of enthusiastic spectators despite frigid temperatures and busy homework schedules.

The event was held on Taylor lawn for the first time instead of its old location outside the University Center.

Alejandro Alejandre is a first generation college student who narrowly decided to pursue higher education the summer after graduating high school. He is now a senior clinical psychology major and has devoted much of his free time to growing and leading the Hispanic Leadership Program at Gunnison Middle School.

Alejandre was born in La Barca, Jalisco, Mexico and moved to Cedaredge, Colorado with his family when he was seven. He faced many doubts from his peers and himself before attending Western.

Mock Trial is a competition where students become immersed in a hypothetical but detailed case. Students study the relevant laws relating to the case, read through detailed statements by the plaintiff, defendant and witnesses, and review various exhibits or pieces of evidence related to the case.

“How I found student and faculty interest [about Mock Trial] was easy. I started to get more involved with other clubs including the Student Government Association and the Model UN team,” said Warren Knutson,the student who set up and started the Mock Trial.

On November 23, 1921 Colorado State Normal School (not yet Western State Colorado University) published the first edition of Top o’ the World for the small campus. Twenty students worked together to create a publication that would give writers a chance to provide information about events and ideas on campus.

Each of the four PALs, Robert Wagner, Brian Cole, Talitha Beattie and Dawid Konieczek, have had their own experiences and challenges, such as being an international student, studying abroad, spending a year with the National Student Exchange (NSE) or not knowing what to pursue in college.

The PALs are able to provide an exceptional level of personal connection to their advisees due to their recent experiences with similar challenges.

As Quigley Hall’s beautifully renovated space sees its second semester of use, faculty and students are enjoying the freedom it has brought them to explore new creative territory. The newly installed rehearsal rooms, open to all students, promote musical exploration and composition. Additional studio and classroom spaces encourage expression by providing stunning views of the snow-topped Fossil Ridge. A new favorite of many music lovers on and off campus, the freshly redone John and Georgie Kincaid Concert Hall is now home to creative events for Western students and community members.

Richard Buchanan '13, from Denver, CO, always knew he wanted to pursue a career in art. In his search to find the perfect school, he looked for an environment with one-on-one with professors and smaller class sizes.

SOURCE grants are administered by Western’s Research Council (WRC) and encourage research, scholarly inquiry and creative activity by undergraduate students. The fund is open to any student and provides aid for both research and travel.

Western prides itself on high student initiative and providing close interactions among students, faculty and staff. The WRC is particularly interested in continuing to foster these pursuits and interactions with SOURCE grants.

What makes you #WesternProud?

Is it the endless recreation opportunities in the Gunnison Valley? The tight-kit, supportive community? Or is it personalized education you’re receiving with top-notch faculty? Show us what the Western experience means to you by entering this photo contest.

As part of their Sustainability Consulting and Coordinating course, four students worked with CBMR staff to create the first phase of a Sustainability Strategic Plan (SSP). The students—Casey Hess, Jennie Ciota, Lissette Rios, and David Mitchell—took a triple bottom line approach, targeting the social, environmental and economic sustainability of the resort.

Associate Professors Lance C. Dalleck and Christina Buchanan, Lecturer Ryan Weatherwax, and High Altitude Exercise Physiology master’s student Devan Haney conducted the study, funded by the American Council on Exercise.

Published in the December 2016 edition of the peer-reviewed Journal of Fitness Research, the study found that mixing functional fitness, resistance training and cardio workouts eliminated the non-responder phenomenon.

In October 2016, two students in Western’s Music major designed a program to introduce music to children in the community.

“In August 2015, we started a small pilot program through the Immigrants Union in town focusing on music fundamentals. With a positive response from the community, Erin and I were able to further develop the program and take it in a new direction,” said Sarah Keith, a senior double majoring in Music and Biology with an emphasis in Ecology. Her partner, Erin Beard, is a senior majoring in Music Education.

Western’s Wilderness Pursuits (WP) program does more than just guide adventures and produce outstanding profile pictures. All WP trips are student-led and the program is emerging as a major leadership development program on campus.

WP attracts trip leaders from a range of interests and academic disciplines.

Smith came to Western State Colorado University from San Antonio, Texas, to play basketball. Although he didn’t end up joining the team, he stayed for the university’s academics, community and environment.

Western had 153 transfer students this semester who are looking for something different. Students come from all 50 states, looking for a university that is going to give them more opportunities and new experiences.

The researchers set out research the effects of fuel fire reduction program on area ecology, particularly on bird species. Most frequently, these programs involve thinning out trees as a way to reduce fuel levels in the event of a forest fire.

Press Release

GUNNISON, Colo. – The Western State Wind Symphony will be performing on Thursday, February 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the John and Georgie Kincaid Concert Hall. The event marks the 65th Annual Firemen’s Host night concert. The public is invited to attend and admission is by donation benefitting the Gunnison Volunteer Firefighters.

On Thursday evening, the Wind Symphony will be performing a wonderful transcription of Danzon No. 2, by Arturo Marquez. This composition of Mexican Heritage includes shades of Mariachi trumpets, Dance music, and Love songs.

Lincoln, Neb. February, 2, 2017 – Western State Colorado University was honored with 2016 Tree Campus USA® recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Featured News, Mountain Sports News

Cameron Smith qualified for the United States National Ski Mountaineering Team after just three years of competing in the discipline. He will be the youngest racer representing the U.S. when he competes at the World Championships this February.